New York city Department of Education IEP:
WHAT IS IT AND What SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT?
Before a student can receive any special education services, the school district is required to produce an Individual Education Plan (IEP). This IEP is a legal document describing the student's the accommodations the school must provide to your student based on their special needs, including the services, academic goals, and measurement that will be used to evaluate progress.
The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that public schools create an IEP for any and all students in need of special education services. If you have received an IEP, or believe your student needs special services in order to achieve their best outcome as a student, we can help you.
At the Law Offices of Philippe Gerschel LLC, we are ready to help you make sure that any IEP produced for your child is appropriately tailored to make sure that your child can thrive. We have a team including lawyers, teachers, and clinicians to advise you.
How does my child obtain an IEP?
In order to qualify for an IEP a student must first go through a referral process. This process should include a parents, teachers, counselors or doctors depending on the needs. Evaluation will often be requested in order to better understand a child’s needs. Then, an IEP team will frequently make recommendations for services and accommodations and goals. When the IEP team determines that a student requires services or accommodations, it is memorialized in an IEP.
What Happens At IEP Meetings?
Legally, IEPs need to be reviewed at least once a year. Sadly, due to the enormous backlog in New York City, school districts often fail to conduct the required yearly review. If that is the case with your child, you may want to reach out particularly if you are not satisfied with the recommendations, accommodations and services in the outdated IESP. Our team consists of lawyers, teachers, and clinicians who have decades of experience.
If you would like to speak with someone who can help you understand how to ensure that your child gets the assistance that he needs or if you disagree with any part of the IEP process, do not hesitate to reach out to us.